Safe asbestos.
Almost all our work & living environment may contain asbestos in one form or another. It was primarily used to either as a protection or strengthening material. It can be found in a multitude of forms or additives, some examples are;
· Artex decorative plaster
· Decorative finishes & wall boards.
· High build paint finishes.
· Bakerlite, toilet seats, bath panels.
· Window sash cords
· Roofing materials from cement roofing to bitumen felt
· Vinyl floor tiles, ceiling tiles.
· Fire doors, insulation to water tanks, hot & cold.
· Cupboard panels, pipes, ceiling tiles & panels.
· Insulation of pipes & generally.

All asbestos is safe, unless it becomes airborne.
Generally when asbestos containing materials are in good condition they present no hazard. Unfortunately when working on asbestos containing materials ACMs fibers may become friable, leading to possible inhalation. This is where the danger lies & strict regulations exist which are covered by criminal law in CAWR1999; Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations. Although the regulations are targeted at the work environment it should be acknowledged that similar hazard & risks exist in the home. All contractors that perform work within a domestic property should s in the case of commercial works undertake a hazard & risk assessment to identify if asbestos may be present. There is a general recommendation that asbestos should be presumed in the absence of proof.
This proof may be obtained from sampling or construction records or from surveying .(see new regulations).

Where asbestos is identified it can stay exactly where it is quite safely unless it needs to be worked on or unless it is damaged. In your own home you are not legally required to do anything with it but of course if you think it is a hazard you may want to remove or manage it. Where the home becomes a workplace i.e. during restoration after a fire/flood event & contractors are employed they may be faced with a duty to comply with the regulations. Your Insurers may pick up the bill if the damage was caused during a fire or flood event.
Restorex provide emergency surveys, analysis, containment & removal of asbestos.

New Regulations to manage asbestos in Commercial Property
The health & Safety executive have recognized that building & restoration contractors especially may be exposed to asbestos during work because they were not aware of it's presence. This triggered the new duty to manage asbestos in all it's forms. The regulations introduced in October 2002 have allowed 12 months to comply with the requirements.

The management requirements
To survey the premises to identify the presence of asbestos & the probability of fiber release.

Components of survey
· Identify & record location
· Presume asbestos presence unless proven not.
· Identify the type of asbestos
· Type of material
· Condition
· Amount
· Provide risk assessment
· Initiate management plan

Management requirements.
· Inform all those likely to be exposed.
· Maintain an up to date log.
· Undertake regular inspections.

Method of survey.
The Health & safety Executive have produced an approved code of practice known as MDHS100, it conforms to basic requirements of quality control & the approved codes of practice, ACOP.

Types of survey
Three types of survey are recommended, all have benefits & different cost implications. It is important to tailor the survey to your budget & specific requirements.

Who can undertake surveys?
Anybody that can show suitable training & experience that complies to the ACOP & the standards as set out in the accreditation standard EN 45004. Restorex provide this.

Restorex Emergency or planned Services.
· Initial desk top assessments
· Walkthrough surveys.
· Tailored surveys to meet your specific requirements.
· Provision of both written & electronic Log.
· Regular compliance inspections.
· Maintenance of the asbestos log.
· Maintenance of the asbestos materials
· Asbestos removal or budget costs.

Emergency controls or removal service.
When a company is faced with either un-planned works, damage or disasters, asbestos legislative requirements can cause delay or problems in compliance or recovery. There may be need to undertake, urgent additional surveys& analysis because due to previous survey limitations. Variouse legislative requirements can prevent works starting or in worse case scenarios, denial of access. Our service provides emergency controls & decontamination, effectively transfering your responsibility to us, licensed asbestos contractors, certified surveyors, supervisors & qualified in Health & Safety.